About Dear Tabbi Expertise My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too.
Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again.
Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials ***********
Awards and Honors * One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
Question We just recently returned from a week away on vacation. Our cat was being taken care of by the neighbour for a couple of hours each day. Since we've returned, she spends most of the night crying and howling. I am quite sure she wants attention during her nocturnal awake hours, but I'm starting to lose sleep, not to mention my sanity.
Any suggestions?
Answer Sara,
your cat is approximately 84 years old in human years.
More than likely she has gone deaf and possibly blind. When that happens they rely on vibrations to tell them where their people are. When no one is awake there aren't any vibrations and they get scared and confused, and cry.
Pain also makes them behave like that.
Cats do get a form of 'kitty Alzheimer's and can behave in a bizarre manner.
I would suggest taking her to a vet that specializes in geriatric cat care and conditions....not all vets do. And it's especially important at her age that she goes to a vet that knows what she is doing. She should have an "older cat checkup" to check the function of her thyroid, kidneys, and liver, and be checked for arthritis and/or pain. If she has any pain she can be given medication to make her comfortable thereby improving her quality of life.
If it were me, I would keep her locked in the bedroom with you at night. Her behavior and how she feels is confusing to her too, and now she needs your love, understanding and reassurance more than ever. Don't get upset at her for getting old. Love her while you still have her. Someday you may wish she were still here meowing!
Being prepared and knowledgeable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat and for you. I am including some very good links about elderly cats. Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar:
